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Multiple Maple Leafs provide honest opinions on recent waiver claim Troy Stecher

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Ryan Smitheram
December 2, 2025 (3:23 PM)

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Claimed off waivers out of necessity, Troy Stecher has quickly made an impact for the Leafs, earning rave reviews from his new teammates, including Auston Matthews.

A November to forget for the Leafs, paired with injuries to Brandon Carlo and Chris Tanev led to the Leafs needing to address their blue line.

Leafs claim Stecher off waivers from Oilers

Claimed off waivers on November 15th, Troy Stecher has quickly become one of the Leafs' most effective defensemen.

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A personal matter for Simon Benoit led to Stecher being elevated into a top-four role on Saturday alongside Jake McCabe, which didn't phase the 31-year-old.

His play there on Saturday led to him being paired with McCabe at practice on Monday -- even with Benoit back.

Stecher earning praise from new teammates, including Auston Matthews

Through six games with the Leafs, Stecher hasn't done anything flashy, but he has provided the team with a stable defenseman who skates well.

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Collecting an assist in each of his last two games, the Richmond, British Columbia native has earned praise from his new teammates.

"He stepped in and he's made an impact right away," captain Auston Matthews said. "I feel like he's fit in so well... He knows his role, and he just tries to the best of his ability."

On the verge of tying the franchise record point-streak for a defenseman, Oliver Ekman-Larsson echoed his captain's thoughts.

"Just a veteran pro. He leaves everything on the on the ice, and you know what you're getting every single game."

He's no Gustav Forsling, but Stecher may have stabilized the Leafs' blueline for now, and given them depth they didn't expect to have.

When Tanev and Carlo eventually return, the Leafs suddenly have three righties and three lefties, all of which can play up and down the lineup and in most situations.

The addition of Stecher also potentially frees up assets for GM Brad Treliving to continue to go after a higher-end top-six forward instead of having to split his assets to fill to a void on the blueline.

Heading into Florida on Tuesday, the Leafs will look to improve to 3-2 on their current road trip, and Stecher looks to play an important role in helping them achieve that.

Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily

Maple Leafs confirm full lineup decisions ahead of tonight's game against Florida

Maple Leafs reveal how fans can land tickets to attend in person to help honour the legendary Joe Bowen

Maple Leafs brace for long absence as Brandon Carlo faces surgery

POLL
DECEMBRE 2 \| 491 ANSWERS Multiple Maple Leafs provide honest opinions on recent waiver claim Troy Stecher Does Troy Stecher's play give Brad Treliving the ability to go after a high-end top-six forward?
Not yet, but if it's sustainable he'll be able to	289	58.9 %
Yes, they suddenly have good depth on the blueline	202	41.1 %
List of polls

Multiple Maple Leafs provide honest opinions on recent waiver claim Troy Stecher

Claimed off waivers out of necessity, Troy Stecher has quickly made an impact for the Leafs, earning rave reviews from his new teammates, including Auston Matthews.

Leafs claim Stecher off waivers from Oilers

Stecher earning praise from new teammates, including Auston Matthews

Does Troy Stecher's play give Brad Treliving the ability to go after a high-end top-six forward?